What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Being An Author?

Being an author is extremely enjoyable if you have a good imagination and it is what you want to do. But, it is extremely difficult to get a publishing deal, as there is so much competition.

If you are lucky enough to be published, then like with every job, there will always be moments when it isn't as enjoyable. There's the issue of writer's block, and sitting down and thinking up a whole story can be quite a daunting task and takes a lot of effort, but that's where imagination comes in.

Authors manage to overcome these problems though, and the main advantages are that they get to see people enjoying the work that they have produced, and they get to see their name in print, which must be very rewarding!

With one play and a couple of  hundred newspaper/magazine articles to my credit, here's one answer.

Advantages:  Not having to conform to a 9-to-5 routine.  Being able to use your imagination and creativity.  Reaching an audience.  Receiving constructive criticism.

Disadvantages:  Worrying about having enough money for things like food, shelter, clothing, etc.  Realizing that being an original writer is quite a challenge.  Finding a market for your work.  Receiving criticism from people who don't have a clue as to what you are trying to achieve.  Competing for attention in a world with hundreds of other writers, to say nothing of such distractions as TV, the Internet and movies.  Maintaining the spark of creativity and imagination.

Neil Gaiman once put it this way:  "Having writing something is wonderful.  Getting ready to write is fun.  But actually writing is incredibly difficult."

That said, nothing - believe me NOTHING - matched the feeling when I saw the published copies of my play.  And seeing my by-line on an article (especially one I took pride it) is still a kick.

Hope this helps!